PSA: Everything We Know About the Deadly China Coronavirus
The current outbreak infected 200 people and caused three deaths
The earth and humans on it are having some hard luck. After the terrible Australian bushfires, humans have to deal with another harmful situation. It is the spread of novel coronavirus that has infected hundreds of people, spread beyond borders and has proved to be deadly for multiple people. To know everything about the deadly China coronavirus, keep scrolling.
What is the China coronavirus?
The China coronavirus is a novel coronavirus that has been detected in China. In general, coronaviruses are a large group of viruses that can be transmitted from animals to humans. Scientists term such viruses as zoonotic.
MERS, SARS and coronavirus
SARS stands for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, and MERS stands for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome. MERS was reported in 2012 in the Middle East. It also causes respiratory problems but has fatal results. Three to four people out of ten who were infected with MERS died.
SARS is also a coronavirus that was first seen in Southern China. In addition to respiratory issues, it can also cause fatigue, shortness of breath, diarrhoea, kidney failure and respiratory distress. The death rate ranges from 0-50 per cent depending on the age of a patient. Older people are more vulnerable.
What are the Symptoms of the China coronavirus?
People who are infected by the novel coronavirus often get sick and have mild or moderate respiratory tract illness that resembles the common cold. The symptoms of the disease include a runny nose, headache, fever, cough, and even sore throat. The fever can last for a few days.
Who’s at Risk of Getting Infected by the novel coronavirus?
People who have a weakened immune system, kids or the elderly are at risk of catching the China coronavirus as the virus might lead to serious respiratory tract illness like bronchitis or pneumonia.
How does the novel coronavirus Spreads?
Usually, viruses spread from human contact with animals. Human to human contact happens when you come in contact with the secretions of an infected person. Sometimes, if the virus is strongly virulent, it can spread through cough, sneeze or a handshake. It can also spread if you touch something touched by an infected person and then touch your nose, eyes or mouth.
Treatment of novel coronavirus
There is no specific treatment of the China coronavirus. In most cases, the symptoms go away on their own. In some cases, doctors can prescribe a pain or fever medication. A hot shower or a humidifier can treat cough and sore throat. Drinking plenty of fluids, getting rest and sleeping as much as you can also help. A person should see a doctor if the symptoms are worse than the symptoms of a standard cold.
How to Prevent the new China Coronavirus?
Till now, there is no vaccine that can protect against China coronavirus. The best ways to avoid it include avoiding people who are sick, washing your hands and avoiding touching your nose, mouth and eyes. If you think the novel coronavirus infects you, make sure you avoid crowds and have minimal contact with others. Also, cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough and disinfect all the surfaces or objects you touch.
The novel coronavirus and Pregnancy
Pregnant women who have MERS and SARS coronavirus have had a serious impact. There have been cases in which pregnant women who were infected with MERS had a stillbirth according to a 2014 study. SARS associated illnesses have been linked to cases of maternal death, spontaneous abortion, and critical maternal illness according to a 2004 study.
The China coronavirus and Deaths
The new China coronavirus was first detected in Wuhan, a Chinese city. It has claimed the lives of two people and has infected dozens of Chinese citizens. It was first reported to the WHO- World Health Organization on December 31, 2019.
As of Jan 20, 2020, the number of cases has exceeded more than 200 in china and abroad. As health workers in China are infected with the China coronavirus, this virus has likely achieved human to human transmission.
The novel coronavirus and Animals/ Pets
Pets can catch the new China coronavirus and suffer due to it. Sometimes, it can lead to deadly diseases. When cats come in contact with SARS, they develop simple problems like mild diarrhoea. Feline infectious peritonitis can lead to flu-like symptoms for a cat and might also lead to organ failure. Thankfully, it’s not contagious from animals to animals or humans to humans. The pantropic canine coronavirus has the potential to impact cats and dogs. Studies show that it can be fatal to dogs. The dog and cat viruses apparently don’t spread to humans.
Stay tuned and we’ll keep you updated on the China coronavirus outbreak. Keep safe everyone.
